Social Media, the Entertainment Industry and the News Media

Abstract

The book’s emphasis on a comprehensive solution is especially evident here, because it is clear that although individual and legal changes will greatly help in reducing school shootings, it is also clear that institutions in broader society, including the media- and entertainment industries, must also act more responsibility than they have been. Of all the components of the solution addressed in this book, it is quite possible that making progress in this dimension may be the most difficult. The reason is because although most people point to Hollywood and the media as one of the primary contributors to the high incidence of school shootings, most in the news media and in the entertainment industry refuse to see themselves as part of the problem. Hollywood, in particular, produces what can safely be said are some of the most violent movies in history. In fact, the shooters often affirm that even during the attacks themselves or in their writings and utterances, that they are often inspired to do these villainous deeds by Hollywood movies. The attackers often similarly report that hard rock music that encourages violence and hatred also inspires them to take action. The media, for their part, give the shooters such publicity and sometimes even a certain degree of sympathy that research indicates that if can often yield “copycat” acts of violence. There is clearly a need for Hollywood and the movie industry at large, the music industry, social media and the news media to act in a more socially responsible way.